Bulldogs host Cory-Rawson in March 30 home opener, weather permitting

By Cort Reynolds

LIMA – The visiting Ada High School softball team put on a late run to defeat Lima Senior 9-5 in a non-league game Wednesday evening, March 29.

The Bulldogs improved to 2-0 with the convincing win. The Spartan girls fell to 0-1 with the loss. 

Ada broke up a close 5-4 game heading to the final inning by plating four runs in the seventh. The Bulldogs then held the Spartan girls to a run in the bottom of the seventh to win by four.

Junior Daicy Robinson slugged a double and hit two singles to lead the 11-hit Ada attack.

The Bulldogs led 2-0 after two innings, and LS edged within 3-2 following three frames. 

Ada edged in front 5-2, but the Spartans cut their deficit to 5-4 after six innings by scoring two runs in the home sixth.

Aidra Preston was hit by a pitch to lead off the seventh, and Natilyn McClain beat out a bunt single. Robinson drilled a run-scoring single to center field.

Katie Sizemore drove in a run with a grounder to third to make it 7-4. Kayla Wince reached base on an error.  Karley Wagner singled sharply to center field to plate two more runs and extend the lead to 9-4.

“Daicy tore it up,” said Ada head coach Jeff Bassitt. “Raeya hit a big triple. Tess made a phenomenal catch to end the game in deep center field. She had some other good catches too.

“Karley Wagner (shortstop) and Aidra Preston (first base) made some nice plays defensively,” he added. “It was an all-around team effort.”

In the bottom of the seventh, University of Chicago commit Tillie Nelson drilled a one-out solo homer over the left field fence.

After a walk, pitcher Jenna Bassitt got the second out on a pop-out. The final out was retired on the long fly to Griffith.

Sophomore Karley Wagner and classmate Bassitt each stroked two singles.

Senior Raeya Finn legged out a triple. Sophomore Tess Griffith smacked a double. Sophomore McClain and senior Wince each hit a single.

“Lima Senior has a solid team with six seniors and a very good coach,” Bassitt said. “Nelson is one of the best players in the area.”

Nelson hit a home run, double and single for the Spartans.

Winning pitcher Bassitt struck out seven Spartans and scattered seven hits over seven innings to improve to 2-0.

McClain (two swipes), Wince (one) and Wagner (one) each stole bases.

Wince, Bassitt and Robinson each drove in two runs. Griffith and Sizemore each collected one RBI.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E

Ada 1 1 1 1 0 1 4 9 11 1

LSr 0 0 2 0 0 2  1 5 7 2

WP-Bassitt (2-0)

LP-Ceris

2B-Hipsher (LS), Nelson (LS), Robinson (A), Griffith (A)

3B-Finn (A)

HR-Nelson (LS)

The Bulldogs host non-conference rival Cory-Rawson (0-0) Thursday, March 30 in the home opener, weather permitting.

Friday’s scheduled Ada game at Waynesfield (0-1) has been postponed. W-G head coach Paul Patton suffered a heart attack in their suspended game Tuesday vs. USV, but is recovering well.

Ada is slated to play a twinbill at rival USV (1-0) Saturday at 11 a.m.